Mail-Identity Theft: March 2015

From Wichita, Kansas to Wichita Falls, Texas, and from Anchorage, Alaska to Oakland Park, Florida, mail thieves are stealing sensitive information from residential mailboxes for identity theft. It’s happening across the country, and nowhere is safe. The best defense is a quality locking mailbox to prevent would-be identity thieves from gaining access to your financial documents from your mailbox.

Without further ado, here is a round up of the mail-identity theft news from across the nation in March 2015:

Mar. 3:

• BUCYRUS, Ohio: Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum – Lights and Sirens: Mail stolen from mailbox; “An Ann Street resident reported mail being stolen from their mailbox earlier in the day. 8:58 p.m.”
• LOS ALTOS, California: San Jose Mercury News – Los Altos: Man arrested for warrants; “An Oakland man was arrested Monday after a Los Altos resident told police he believed that he and another man had stolen his mail.”
• CAMARILLO, California: Ventura County Star – Camarillo man arrested in connection with mail theft; “A man was arrested in connection with mail theft last month in Camarillo, officials said.”
• LUSBY, Maryland: TheBayNet.com – Man charged with theft of mail; “On Saturday, Feb. 28 at 4:45 a.m., Tfc. Smith of the Maryland State Police Prince Frederick Barrack responded to a report of male observed carrying a large amount of mail under his coat on Catalina Drive in Lusby.”
• VENTURA COUNTY, California: Ventura EdHat– Mail Theft Suspect Arrested; “On February 27, 2015 at 12:00 PM, detectives from the Camarillo Investigations Bureau arrested Ethan Gross for possession of stolen property, identity theft and several drug related offenses at a local motel in Camarillo.”
• OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma: KOCO 5 – Army vet working to catch metro mail thief; “After a number of reported mail and package thefts from front porches in the metro, one man said he’s setting up a sting operation to catch the wanted thief. “I’m not just your ‘Joe Blow’ citizen,” said John Karlin. “I’m a U.S. Army veteran with police training. I’m going to get this guy myself.””
• GREENVILLE, South Carolina: WYFF 4 – Upstate man admits stealing credit cards from mail, spending thousands: Salathiel Harrison sentenced to 27 months in prison; “An Upstate man is on his way to jail after he admitted to recruiting thieves to steal credit cards and checks from mailboxes that he then used to make purchases. Salathiel Harrison, 38, of Fountain Inn, recruited people to steal mail and bring it to him so he could purchase merchandise from various stores that the recruits would then pick up.”

• CORONA, California: The Press-Enterprise – CORONA: Police flier to help residents combat mail theft: Criminals steal mail to obtain credit cards, Social Security cards, bank statements, checks and cash. The documents can be used to create bank and credit accounts in the victim’s name; “Criminals steal mail to obtain credit cards, Social Security cards, bank statements, checks and cash. The documents can be used to create bank and credit accounts in the victim’s name. Police recommend depositing outgoing mail at post offices, picking up mail daily, not sending cash through the mail, putting a hold on mail during vacations, purchasing a lockable mail box and having checks automatically deposited.”

• WESTMINSTER, Colorado: CBS Denver – Mail Theft At Westminster Neighborhood Is Not First Incident; “Instead of their mail, people in a Westminster neighborhood got a warning from the post office in their mailboxes on Monday. As resident Carol Wier read, ‘This mailbox was vandalized and possible theft.'”

Mar. 4:

• LOS ALTOS, California: San Jose Mercury News – Police Blotter; “Lockhaven and Stonehaven drives, 9:08 a.m. Monday Two Oakland men were arrested — one cited and the other booked into jail — after a resident who thought his mail had been stolen provided police with a description of a suspicious vehicle in the neighborhood.“
• GALLATIN COUNTY, Montana: Bozeman Daily Chronicle – Second suspect wanted in string of mail thefts; “Between Dec. 15 and Feb. 9, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office received dozens of reports of mail being stolen from mailboxes east and north of Bozeman.”
  
• MAPLE VALLEY, Washington: Maple Valley Reporter – King County Sheriff’s Office; “The reporting party told officers their monthly credit account statement along with a paper check had been stolen from an unsecured mailbox. They became aware of the stolen mail when the next bill arrived with an unpaid balance. It appears the check was cashed by an unknown subject.“
• UNION, Missouri: EMissourian.com – Union Police Warn Of Tax Identity Thefts; “People can obtain information necessary to for ID theft by stealing mail or tax returns, through corrupt tax preparation services, or phony emails from impostors.”
• ROSEVILLE, California: Sacramento Bee – Police issue tips to thwart mail theft in Roseville; “Mail thefts continue in Roseville, prompting authorities to provide tips to prevent loss of letters and packages.”

Mar. 5:

• ROSEVILLE, California: The Sacramento Bee – Two arrested after Roseville police pursuit of stolen vehicle; “Police said the SUV had been stolen from Rocklin on Feb. 20. Inside the vehicle, officers found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, burglar’s tools, stolen mail and property stolen during other recent vehicle thefts, police reported.”
• MARION, Ohio: The Marion Star – Police beat: Rx drugs, credit card cash stolen; “Mail was reported stolen in the 8100 block of Wildcat Pike in LaRue.”
• DENVER, Colorado: 9 News – 8 indicted in Denver-area ID theft ring; “The indictment is the result of an extensive year-long investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service in Denver, with assistance from Denver and Aurora police departments.”

• BOZEMAN, Montana: KBZK 7 – Another person charged in mail theft case; “Another person has been charged, accused of stealing mail in Gallatin County. As we first reported a month ago, Katlyn Dedycker was arrested and charged with felony theft for stealing  mail from mailboxes in the Springhill, Jackson Creek and Bridger Canyon areas.”
• DENVER, Colorado: The Denver Post – Eight arrested on 81 counts of identity theft and forgery; “The charges allege that Hunter and Phillips, with the help of others, stole tens of thousands of dollars from grocery stores, credit unions and banks, as well as co-workers, relatives and an at-risk adult. The charges allege that they stole checks from mailboxes, passed counterfeit and forged checks, and in numerous instances committed identity theft.”

Mar. 6:

• STOCKTON, California: News 10 ABC – Mail theft in Morada getting worse; “”We have tried to keep up with locks being broken. Fast as we put them up, they’re broken into again. It’s very frustrating. We want our customers to get their mail,” Gonzalez said.”
• JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee: Johnson City Press – Four juveniles arrested in mailbox vandalisms; “The release said the juveniles admitted to vandalizing at least 30 mailboxes off Cherokee Road last week, and the Washington County Juvenile Court has issued petitions for vandalism.”
• DENVER, Colorado: Westword – See the members of the female-dominated, just-busted ID theft ring; “In the case of an alleged identity theft ring, however, prosecutors say women were in charge — and females represent six of the eight people named in an indictment featuring a staggering 81 counts.”
• KNOXVILLE, Tennessee: Knoxville News Sentinel – Woman sentenced for mail theft; “A Campbell County woman caught in a sting operation stealing painkillers intended for veterans has been sentenced to probation.”
• FEDERAL WAY, Washington: Federal Way Mirror – Federal Way Police Blotter; “Woman arrested for stealing mail: At 7:33 a.m. on March 1 in the 28000 block of 26th Ave. S., police observed the suspect stealing mail from a mailbox. She was arrested and booked into SCORE jail. Police found a ledger with names and social security numbers in her purse. In addition, they located an envelope with several pieces of stolen mail, checks, IDs and credit cards in her purse. She stated the items belonged to her friend.
• EPHRATA, Washington: iFiberOne.com – Moses Lake mail thief pleads guilty, sentenced to drug treatment; “A Moses Lake woman is receiving drug addiction treatment after she used a stolen credit card to buy $1,700 worth of items online.”

Mar. 8:

• BOZEMAN, Montana: KBZK.com – Second person accused of stealing mail arrested; “In the original charging documents for Katlyn, 27 victims were identified and $11, 000 worth of gift cards and merchandise stolen. Since then, the number of alleged victims has grown to about 50.”

Mar. 9:

• DAVIS, California: Sacramento Bee – Mail thefts spread to Davis; “Mail theft in recent months has hit residents in Roseville and Elk Grove. Now, Davis police report that several community mail boxes have been broken into and mail stolen.”
• CALVERT COUNTY, Maryland: Southern Maryland Online – MSP Reports for Calvert Co.; “THEFT OF MAIL: On 3/02/2015 at 11:15 am, Trooper First Class Barlow responded to the 1800 block of Skinners Turn Rd. in Owings for reported theft of mail. The victim advised after placing outgoing mail in her mailbox, she observed a dark gray four door passenger vehicle with tinted windows pull up to her mailbox and remove the mail. The victim was unable to provide a registration plate number. Investigation continues.“
• DAVIS, California: KCRA.com – Postal inspectors: Davis is the latest target in Sacramento-area mail thefts: Community mailboxes continue to get hit; “At least five community mailboxes in Davis have been broken into since the start of the year, said Jeff Fitch, a U.S. postal inspector.”
• ANCHORAGE, Alaska: KTVA.com – ‘Numerous’ pieces of stolen mail found in impounded vehicle; “Alaska State Troopers say they have alerted residents in Soldotna, Copper Center, Indian and Kasilof after finding “numerous” pieces of stolen mail in an impounded vehicle, including W-2 forms and other mail with personal identifiers.”
• NORFOLK, Virginia: The Sun Chronicle – Norfolk police seek information on mailbox vandals; “Police are looking for information about a vandal or vandals who destroyed dozens of mailboxes in town over the weekend.”
• DAVIS, California: KCRA.com – Davis police alert residents of mailbox break-ins; “Thieves have been targeting cluster boxes in Davis, using a crow bar to pry them open. Once they’re in, they have access to not just one box, but to all of the mail of people living in the neighborhood.”
• BOZEMAN, Montana: ABC FOX – Second Mail Theft Supsect Arrested; “Police arrest a second person in connection with a string of mail thefts running rampant in Gallatin County.”
• TUSCON, Arizona: Tuscon News Now – PCSD: Mail theft suspects caught with child in car; “Pima County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two people in connection with a string of mail thefts on Tucson’s east side. Deanna Lupo, 35, and Richard Keppler, 38, were caught on Thursday, March 5 after a traffic stop and admitted to the thefts and using stolen credit cards, according to a PCSD news release. Deputies said Lupo’s 9-year-old daughter was in the car.”
• VACAVILLE, California: The Reporter – Two arrested in connection with  mail thefts; “Police say that Brandy Bauman, 24, and Casey Elder, 28, both of Vacaville, were stealing mail out of mail boxes around Vacaville and unincorporated areas outside the city. Officers found mail belonging to approximately 20 different victims in the Vacaville area, and are trying to contact the owners of the mail and trying to determine any additional crimes.”

• TUSCON, Arizona: Tuscon.com – Deputies arrest pair in Tuscon mail-theft probe; “Deputies have been “plagued” with mail theft incidents over three weeks, the department said in a news release Monday. Richard Keppler, 38, and Deanna Lupo, 35, each told deputies they stole mail and used stolen credit cards, the release said. Deputies say they found stolen mail at each of their homes.”

Mar. 10:

• UNION COUNTY, South Carolina: WYFF4.com – Upstate Sheriff warns of mail theft; “The Union County Sheriff’s Office says it has gotten reports of mail being stolen in the southern part of the county. Officials say this is the time of year that people are getting income tax returns by mail and that is possibly what the people are looking for inside the mailboxes.”
• COPPER CENTER, Alaska: Alaska Dispatch – Troopers warn Copper Center, Indian, Peninsula residents of mail theft; “While executing a search warrant on an impounded vehicle March 2, troopers found W-2 forms, line-of-credit checks, paychecks, personal checks and club membership cards, according to a trooper dispatch posted online Monday. The mail came from roadside mailboxes near Mile 95 of the Richardson Highway in Copper Center, near the intersection of Rainbow Valley Road and the Seward Highway in Indian, on Keystone Drive in Soldotna and near the intersection of Cardwell Road and the Sterling Highway in Kasilof, the dispatch said.”
• THOUSAND OAKS, California: Ventura County Star – Two Agoura Hills residents arrested in connection with mail and identity theft; “A search warrant served at Magistrado’s residence March 5 in the 30000 block of Agoura Road recovered mail, bank statements, checks, check books, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, birth certificates, passports, credit cards, tax forms, cellphone numbers and addresses belonging to more than 250 people from Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, authorities said.”
• SPOKANE VALLEY, Washington: KREM 2 – Deputies: Mail thief hit 100 Spokane Valley homes; “Officials said the woman, Elayshia Foreman, stole packages and mail from at least 100 people all over Spokane Valley.”

• VENTURA COUNTY, California: Ventura Edhat – Identity / Mail Theft Arrests; “In January 2015, patrol deputies responded to a forgery call in the City of Thousand Oaks. The victim had paid utility bills using his personal checks and placed the bills in the mailbox for the postal carrier to pick up. About a week later the victim was reviewing his bank records when he noticed the “Pay to the Order of:” and the amount on his checks had been changed.”

Mar. 11:

• VACAVILLE, California: Daily Republic – Police arrest 2 in identity theft caper; “Two people were booked into the Solano County jail Sunday after being arrested on suspicion of identity theft, possession of stolen mail and possession of a methamphetamine smoking pipe, according to Vacaville police.”
• CALVERT COUNTY, Maryland: BayNet.com – Victim’s mail stolen and other crimes; “On 3/02/15 at 11:15 am, Trooper First Class Barlow responded to the 1800 block of Skinners Turn Rd. in Owings for reported theft of mail.    The victim advised after placing outgoing mail in her mailbox, she observed a dark gray four door passenger vehicle with tinted windows pull up to her mailbox and remove the mail.  The victim was unable to provide a registration plate number.”
• UNION COUNTY, South Carolina: WSPA 7 – Union County Deputies Warn Of Mail Theft; “Deputies say witnesses have seen a green or faded blue Toyota Corolla or similar car driving around and could be responsible. Even though Sheriff Taylor says the thieves are looking for tax refunds – so far that hasn’t been what they’ve found. “What’s been taken out of the mailboxes has been people’s bills,” he said.”
• HILLSBORO, Oregon: Mail Tribune – Emergency services, May 11; “Cassandra Pilar Solis, 22, of the 600 block of North First Street, Hillsboro. Jackson County sheriff’s deputies Tuesday arrested Solis on warrants charging mail theft, identity theft, second-degree forgery and second-degree possession of a forged instrument. She was booked in the Jackson County Jail and released on her own recognizance.”
• FONTANA, California: Fontana Herald News – Man is arrested for allegedly stealing mail from mailboxes in Fontana and committing fraud; “A man was arrested for allegedly stealing mail from neighborhood mailboxes and using the stolen information to obtain funds through means of fraudulent transactions and forging checks, according to the Fontana Police Department.”
  
• YUBA CITY, California: KCRA.com – Surveillance video captures Yuba City mail thief: Postal inspectors say they’re seeing a continuation of the crime throughout Sacramento area; “When Wankmuller went to get a closer look, she said several mailboxes were left wide open. In just minutes, she said that she, along with her neighbors, became victims of mail theft.”
• SPOKANE VALLEY, Washington: KXLY.com – Woman arrested for stealing mail, identities from neighbors; “A Spokane Valley woman was arrested Tuesday for stealing from more than 100 pieces of mail from her neighbors.”
• SPRINGFIELD, Missouri: OzarksFirst.com – Man Headed to Prison on Charges Related to Stolen Identities; “Wells was arrested in August of 2013 when police found that he was in possession of a stolen truck.  During an investigation, a search warrant was issued for Wells’ residence, where authorities located stolen property and a large amount of stolen mail.”
• BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma: FOX 23 – Broken Arrow police say traffic stop led to stolen checks; “Broken Arrow police said they found Joseph Roberts driving a stolen truck and hiding more than two dozen stolen checks during a traffic stop. All of the individual checks stolen were outgoing mail. Police said the victims likely left the checks and the suspect drove around opening boxes before the mailman picked them up.”

• JACKSON COUNTY, Indiana: RTV 6 – Ind. mom, daughter accused of stealing mail, credit cards; “An Indiana mom and daughter were accused of identity theft after police found stolen mail, IDs, and credit cards inside of a stolen vehicle and motel room. Inside the hotel room, police found stolen mail, credit cards, driver’s licenses and prescriptions from several Indiana neighborhoods in Southern, Central and Northern Indiana, said Detective Tom Barker.”

Mar. 12:

• EVERGREEN, Colorado: The Denver Post – Golden crime blotter; “Mail theft. An Evergreen resident reported suspected mail theft Feb. 25. Her family returned from vacation to find no mail, and no vacation hold was placed on the address. Missing items included a box of oranges from Florida and Valentine’s Day cards and candy.“
• PORT ORCHARD, Washington: Q13 FOX – Neighbors meet with police to try to take back streets from criminals; “Car prowls, mail thefts and vandalism have plagued parts of Port Orchard and unincorporated Kitsap County. Mail theft is also a problem on the peninsula.”
• SEYMOUR, Indiana: Daily Reporter – Police: Mother, daughter stole mail from mailboxes in as many as 25 Indiana counties; “Police say a mother and daughter accused of stealing mail took it directly from mailboxes in as many as 25 Indiana counties. WTHR-TV reports police say they found several bags of mail when they arrested the two women in a Seymour motel. Jackson County Sheriff Michael Carothers says the pair was targeting families to get IDs and credit cards.”
• MANHATTAN BEACH, California: The Beach Reporter – Crime Reports: Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach; “On Thursday, Feb. 26, at the intersection of Gates Avenue and Aviation Boulevard, officers detained two subjects and an investigation revealed they were in possession of stolen mail and a homemade device used to extract mail out of mailboxes.”
  
• FONTANA, California: Press Enterprise – FONTANA: Homeowner catches 4 strangers in home; “The mail contained blank checks, credit cards and financial statements for addresses within about a mile of the house, police wrote. “Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Kinard had been stealing mail from local neighborhood mailboxes and was using the stolen information to obtain funds through means of fraudulent transactions and forging checks,” the release said. Mail from about 22 people was located, according to police.”

• SEYMOUR, Indiana: WTHR 13 – Mother-daughter suspected in mailbox thefts across Indiana; “Police say they have recovered several bags of stolen mail – taken directly from mailboxes in two dozen Indiana counties. Investigators believe the thieves are a mother-daughter team. And they’re not just stealing birthday money from Aunt Betty.”

• ATWATER, California: Merced Sun-Star – Stolen mail, methamphetamine found in stolen truck, Atwater police say; “One man was arrested early Thursday and another cited and released after Atwater police found stolen mail and methamphetamine in a stolen vehicle during a traffic stop, the Police Department reported.”

Mar. 13:

• CAMARILLO, California: The Camarillo Acorn – Man suspected of mail theft; “Later that day detectives found Gross at a hotel in Camarillo and searched his room, where they found drugs and drug paraphernalia as well as mail and checks that were stolen from Granada Street, according to the report.”
• WOODWAY, Texas: Our Town – Woodway: Mail Thieves Are On The Prowl; “Mail thieves have been moving through some Woodway neighborhoods, stealing residents’ outgoing mail. This week Woodway police received reports from residents whose outgoing mail with checks inside was stolen.”
• BOZEMAN, Montana: Bozeman Daily Chronicle – Belgrade couple pleads not guilty to Bozeman-area mail thefts; “A Belgrade couple denied stealing thousands of dollars worth of mail from Bozeman-area homes during an appearance in Gallatin County District Court on Monday.”
• FRESNO, California: ABC 30 – $10,000 Reward Offered in East Central Fresno Community Mailbox Theft; “The post office may be contacting you after a community mailbox was stolen in East Central Fresno. The mailbox near Jason and Redlands avenues was stolen, and postal officials tell Action News they are not sure exactly what day it was taken. A $10,000 reward is being offered to help track down those responsible.”
• OAK RIDGE, Tennessee: Oakridger – Man convicted of raping elderly woman now charged with church mail theft: An Oak Ridge man convicted of raping a 79-year-old woman in 1994 was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing mail from a local church; “An Oak Ridge man convicted of raping a 79-year-old woman in 1994 was arrested Tuesday for allegedly stealing mail from a local church.”

• BOZEMAN, Montana: KXLF 4 – Husband & wife accused of stealing mail plead not guilty; “Katlyn and Jonathan Dedycker are both charged with felony theft.  According to detectives, the two stole merchandise, gift cards, and checks from mail boxes throughout Gallatin County and authorities have identified more than 50 victims.”

• PAHRUMP, Nevada: KVVU FOX 5 – Nye County uncover massive identity theft operation; “In some cases, the mail was never reported as stolen. Deputies said people may never have realized they were the victims of theft. “They were stealing mail. We have several previously recorded cases of mail theft, the vandalizing of mailboxes, especially the mailboxes known as community mailboxes,” Eisenloffel said.”

• NYE COUNTY, Nevada: Las Vegas Review-Journal – 7 arrested in Nye County identity theft investigation; “The investigation found nearly 200 individuals and businesses in Pahrump and Clark County were affected by the identity theft and forgery operation, the sheriff’s office said in a release Monday. Officers found documents involving 75 victims at Lake’s home.”

Mar. 14:

• HENDERSON, Texas: HendersonDailyNews.com – Thieves mailing it in; “Rural Rusk County residents are being targeted by thieves stealing checks from mailboxes. “Over the last two-three months we’ve seen a rash of people’s mail being stolen out of their mailboxes,” said Sgt. David Roberts of the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office.”
• WEST SEATTLE, Washington: West Seattle Blog – West Seattle Crime Watch: Burglary; mail-theft suspect; found loot?; “Just wanting to let you know we just spotted a man trying to get into our bank of mailboxes on 25th between Findlay and Juneau. I reported it and do have a description if anyone is missing their mail today.”
• JACKSON COUNTY, Indiana: WLKY.com – Mother, daughter arrested in connection with Indiana mail theft; “Deputies said the mother and daughter duo were found inside a hotel room and evidence inside connected the women to mail thefts throughout Indiana.”
• MADISON, Wisconsin: Wisconsin State Journal – Ex-VA worker charged with stealing identities from hospital, mail from neighbors; “A former lab worker at the Veterans Hospital in Madison used information stolen from VA records, from mail stolen from her neighbors and information purchased on the Internet to obtain credit cards and access other people’s checking accounts, according to criminal charges filed this week.”

Mar. 16:

• CHINO, California: Champion Newspapers – Mail theft on the rise; “Chino Hills Police Department reported a large increase in mail and identity theft in the city during the past two months.”
• PAHRUMP, Nevada: 8 News Now – Nye County Sheriff’s office: ‘Elaborate’ ID theft scheme busted; “Seven people were arrested in what is being called an “elaborate” ID theft scheme which impacted around 200 victims in Pahrump and Las Vegas, according to the Nye County Sheriff’s office.”

Mar. 17:

• VACAVILLE, California: The Reporter – Pursuit ends with arrest of Fairfield man; “A Fairfield man who Vacaville police suspect stole gasoline from vehicles and mail from mailboxes was arrested Monday afternoon.”
• PIMA COUNTY, Arizona: Tuscon News Now – PCSD warns of mail thieves who follow delivery trucks; “A type of mail theft more common around the holidays is happening around Tucson, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.”

Mar. 18:

• OAKLAND PARK, Florida: Sun Sentinel – Man stole checks from mailboxes, cashed them, cops say; “Thomas Lee Souffrant would snatch checks from mailboxes in and around Oakland Park then deposit them into his own account, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said, and the total take was more than $6,400.”

Mar. 19:

• BOZEMAN, Montana: Great Falls Tribune – Belgrade couple denies stealing mail; “A Belgrade couple has denied charges alleging they stole thousands of dollars’ worth of mail from Bozeman-area homes.”
• NEILLSVILLE, Wisconsin: Leader-Telegram – Man sentenced for mailbox damage; “A second Neillsville man has been convicted in Clark County Court with smashing mailboxes in the Neillsville area last year.“
• WALLA WALLA, Washington: Union-Bulletin – Mail, identity thief pleads to multiple charges; “A woman has admitted having mail that was stolen from multiple Walla Walla Valley addresses in December, in addition to committing four other crimes.”
• TYLER, Texas: Tyler Morning Telegraph – 1 arrested, 1 detained in recent mail, package thefts; “Don Martin, Tyler Police public information officer, said the department has received additional calls from residents in the area surrounding Cloverdale Drive who have had packages or articles of mail stolen.”
• BOZEMAN, Montana: KFBB.com – Belgrade Couple Denies Stealing Mail, Including Gift Cards; “Court records say the Gallatin County sheriff’s office received dozens of reports of gift cards, checks and packages being stolen east and north of Bozeman between mid-December and early February.”
• TOPEKA, Kansas: The Topeka Capital-Journal – Crime Stoppers: Woman wanted in connection with forgery, mail theft: Surveillance images captured Feb. 21 at Walmart; “The woman, described as white, in her late 20s or early 30s, with brown hair and glasses, is wanted in connection with forgery and mail theft, the release said.”

• VENTURA COUNTY, California: The Acorn – Agoura woman suspected of profiting from identity thefts; “Police said that during the search detectives found mail, bank statements, checkbooks, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, birth certificates, passports, income tax W-4 and 1099 forms, cellphone numbers and addresses for more than 250 people.”

Mar. 20:

• VENTURA, California: Ventura Ed Hat – Mail Thefts are on the Rise; “Since January 1, 2015, eighteen thefts of mail have been reported to the Camarillo Police Department. Some victims were not aware that their mail had been stolen until the Police Department contacted the victims about recovering their stolen mail. In one case, a female suspect had stolen mail in her possession from over 41 different victims throughout Ventura County.”
• NYE COUNTY, Nevada: ABC 13 – Another suspect arrested in massive identity theft ring; “Nye County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested another suspect in the ongoing mail theft, fraud and forgery investigation known as Operation Super Lake.”
• PAHRUMP, Nevada: KSNV 3 – Woman arrested in expanding Nye County ID, forgery theft case; “A Pahrump woman has been arrested in an ongoing mail, identity theft and forgery investigation that has affected more than 200 residents in Nye and Clark counties.”

• TUSCON, Arizona: Tuscon News Now – Tucson to see new mailboxes that thwart thieves; “A recent rash of mail thefts in Tucson has prompted the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office to take on a stronger enforcement and preventive measures in thwarting mail theft.”

Mar. 22:

• ROXBURY, New Jersey: NJ.com – Bronx pair arrested for alleged involvement in mail scam, Roxbury cops say; “Authorities were led to Edward Nunez Lora, 36, and Jose Rodriguez, 25, after a Corn Hollow Road resident called police Monday afternoon to report he’d spotted an unfamiliar man rifling through a neighbor’s mailbox, said Jennifer Dillard, Roxbury Police Department’s public information officer.”
• NAPA, California: Napa Valley Register – Bronx pair arrested for alleged involvement in mail scam, Roxbury cops say; “Napa County Sheriff’s deputies stopped a vehicle matching that description at Highway 29 and Airport Road, and found five pieces of suspected stolen mail.”
• VENTURA, California: CBS Los Angeles – Ventura Woman Suspected Of Stealing Mail In Custody; “Several other postal items believed to have been stolen from residents in surrounding cities, and narcotic paraphernalia were also recovered.”
• LOCKPORT, New York: Union-Sun & Journal – Mailbox damaged on Oxford Lane; “The victim alleged someone attempted to get into his locked mailbox by prying it open with an unknown object. There were visible pry marks on the mailbox, however, the person did not get into the box, the incident report said.”
  
• VENTURA, California: Ventura County Star – Large amount of stolen mail, documents found in Ventura house, police say; “Ventura police arrested a woman late Saturday after they found a large amount of stolen mail, financial documents and drug-related items in her residence.”

Mar. 23:

• DAVIS, California: Davis Patch – Davis Police: 4 Tips to Avoid Mail Theft: Mailbox break-ins have increased. Here’s how to avoid being a victim; “Several community mailboxes have been vandalized or broken into, which may have led to mail theft.”
• POULSBO, Washington: North Kitsap Herald – Thefts on the rise in Poulsbo; “Types of thefts vary, from burglaries to mail theft and more.”

Mar. 24:

• SAN ANTONIO, Texas: KSAT 12 – Police: Suspect found with fake license, stolen mail in motel room: Arthur Pacheco, 41, faking charges related to ID theft; “During a search of the motel room, investigators said they found a check which belonged to a 75-year-old women and had been stolen from the mail, as well as other items, the affidavit stated.”
• WALLA WALLA, Washington: Union Bulletin – Multiple offender in pursuit case also gets time for mail theft; “Regarding the mail theft, Gardner pleaded guilty Feb. 23. Officials say she was in a vehicle July 31 and involved in stealing items from various residents’ mailboxes in Walla Walla County.”
• DARLINGTON, South Carolina: SCNow.com – Darlington police arrest, charge woman after mail thefts; “A Darlington woman was arrested Monday afternoon when police found her to be in possession of several pieces of mail that belonged to other people.”

• BEAR VALLEY, California: Tehachapi News –  Bear Valley board hears mailbox, bark beetle concerns; “Locked mailboxes have been a bone of contention in Bear Valley, as most of them are clustered in groups through out the community. All are unlocked and might pose a tempting target for theft, depiste being a federal crime.”
• TUSCON, Arizona: KVOA – Crime Trackers: Mail thieves target Tucsonans during Tax Season; “Thieves are stealing credit cards, money and financial documents. One Tucsonan had his replacement card stolen last fall. Inspectors said it’s a crime of opportunity.”

Mar. 25:

• ELLSWORTH, Wisconsin: Twin Cities Pioneer Press – Wisconsin: Ellsworth Man suspected in string of mail thefts; “A search of York’s home on March 18 yielded one of the missing checks, along with mail originating from Hager City, Prescott, rural Ellsworth, Hudson and River Falls in Wisconsin, and Faribault, Lakeville, Burnsville, St. Paul, Cottage Grove, Woodbury and Red Wing in Minnesota.”
• WEST SEATTLE, Washington: West Seattle Blog – West Seattle Crime Watch: Stolen bicycle; stolen car; mail theft; suspicious person who ‘danced and lit his pipe’; “MAILBOX BREAK-IN: From a Highland Park resident: I just wanted to let you know that we had our mailbox, which is a sturdy locked box, broken into. It looks like they used something to bend the metal, dislodging the locking mechanism. Mail was taken and discarded on the side of our property- I guess they didn’t want our medical bill or mortgage statement. This happened this weekend while we were out of town. We live on the corner of 17th and Cloverdale.”
• ELLSWORTH, Wisconsin: Pierce County Herald – Accused mail thief arrested in Ellsworth; “A 36-year-old Ellsworth man was charged Thursday, March 19 with three counts of misdemeanor theft in connection with a string of alleged mail thefts, centered in Ellsworth and the surrounding area.”

Mar. 26:

• GRANITE BAY, California: Roseville & Granite Bay Press Tribune – Mail theft sparks I.D. concerns in Granite Bay: Experts offer tips to avoid long term problems; “Since January, mail thefts in Granite Bay and Rocklin neighborhoods have been an ongoing crime. However, experts say these crimes, which may lead to identity theft, can be avoided.”

Mar. 27:

• SANTA CLARITA VALLEY, California: SignalSCV.com – Detectives probing mail thefts in SCV; “Sheriff’s detectives are looking for mail thieves who ransacked mailboxes on two Santa Clarita Valley streets recently — one in Stevenson Ranch, the other in Bridgeport — making off with the personal mail of residents there, a lead investigator said this week.”
• CAMARILLO, California: The Camarillo Acorn – SHERIFF’S BLOTTER; “March 9: A check for $800 was stolen from a mailbox in the 400 block of Arneill Road between March 9 and 11. March 17: Mail was stolen in the 2000 block of Via Veneto between March 17 and 19.”
• MORAGA, California: Contra Costa Times – Police reports: Incidents from March 2-20; “Saturday, march 21 mail theft: At 1:45 p.m., two male juveniles were seen running from a mailbox in the 1800 block of School Street carrying several pieces of mail.”

Mar. 28:

• IREDELL, North Carolina: Statesville Record & Landmark – Identity theft, tax fraud on the rise in Iredell; “Sipes said while some of the scams are sophisticated, many involve someone going through trash or stealing mail to learn account numbers.”

Mar. 30:

• SOUTH PASADENA, California: Pasadena Star-News – South Pasadena police arrest West Covina man for mail theft; “A West Covina man has been arrested on suspicion of mail theft, among other charges, after police found around 30 packages of stolen mail in his vehicle Monday morning.”
• BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut: CTPost.com – Mail theft ringleader sentenced; “The head of a mail-theft ring that police said stole hundreds of credit cards and checks from mailboxes from Greenwich to New Haven was sentenced Monday to four years and seven months in federal court.”
• COACHELLA VALLEY, California: The Desert Sun – Mail theft increase puts locals at risk for fraud; “A recent rash of mailbox break-ins is leaving some Coachella Valley residents wary of identity theft. In recent weeks, several mailboxes have been forced open and looted in the Monticello community on Morris Avenue in La Quinta, leaving some residents wondering if their personal information has fallen into the wrong hands.”
• WICHITA, Kansas: KSN 3 – Wichita man sentenced in federal mail theft, firearm case; “A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 78 months in federal prison in a federal mail theft case.”

Mar. 31:

• ANCHORAGE, Alaska: KTUU – ‘Superman’ pleads guilty to leading Anchorage meth-for-mail ring; “A man known to authorities as “Superman” pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to 16 counts related to drug dealing and fraud, admitting to leading a ring which prosecutors say exchanged methamphetamine for mail stolen from Alaskans.”
• MERCER ISLAND, Washington: Mercer Island Reporter – MIPD stamps out attempted mail theft; “As the officers were interviewing the driver and passenger about what occurred, they observed a large amount of mail from many different addresses strewn throughout the interior of the vehicle. The driver later confessed that she and her passenger had been stealing mail from mailboxes on Mercer Island, and they had just taken some from a nearby mailbox when she drove off the road.”
• REDMOND, Washington: Redmond Reporter – Officers investigate traffic collisions, thefts | Police blotter for March 25-30; “You’ve got no mail: Redmond police took a mail-theft report at 1:55 p.m. in the 17100 block of Northeast 80th Street.”
• WICHITA FALLS, Texas: News Channel 6 – WFPD Warns of Thieves Targeting Mailboxes; “Unknown suspect(s) are targeting residential mailboxes, looking for personal checks that have been filled out for remittance and are awaiting pick up from mail carriers.”
• WICHITA, Kansas: WIBW.com – Wichita Man Sentenced To Prison For Mail Theft, Bank Fraud; “Anderson admitted that he stole mail addressed to an insurance company from a U.S. Postal Service mailbox in October 2013.”
• HAWTHORNE, California: The Daily Breeze – Hawthorne man arrested in El Segundo with bag of stolen mail, paperwork; “Flores carried paperwork stolen from numerous mailboxes and unlocked vehicles from one side of the city to the other. Some of the mail in the backpack was stolen the night before on Loma Vista and Whiting streets.”

• NEW HAVEN, Connecticut: WTNH 8 – Bridgeport man sent to prison for leading mail-theft ring; “A Bridgeport man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for running a mail-theft ring that raided mailboxes around Fairfield County for checks and credit cards.”